mech qualifications

Honest John Back Room » Motoring discussion
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Fri 27 Jul 2007 10:51
mech qualifications - steveo3002
hey all

ive been in the motor trade 16 yrs as a paint sprayer, ive done plenty of mechanical jobs in the body shop and my spare time

the thing is id like to get out of the painting game and maybe try mechanic or mot tester

whats involved getting some recognised qualifications at my age
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Fri 27 Jul 2007 11:03
mech qualifications - LHM
Hi Steve,

You don't actually state what your age is :-)

In my experience good bodyshop guys are hard to come by, so I'd rate your skills above the spannering guys anyday.

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Fri 27 Jul 2007 11:05
mech qualifications - Saltrampen

My son's mate wanted to be a mechanic, so enlisted on a City and Guilds course at the local poly. He passed but got a job for a railway repair firm as he can rake in much more in overtime pay. Presumably after the C&G it is either an apprenticeship or just straight in to work at a small independent.
However it seems to be hard to get further training unless you are either unemployed or
under 21. Possibly an evening course to get a C&G, but the local adult education office maybe a place to start making enquiries.

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Fri 27 Jul 2007 11:12
mech qualifications - AR-CoolC
Hi Steve

Take a look at the IMI web site (Institute for the Motor Industry). The IMI are very well recognised within the motor trade, but you really need to be working at a particulat job to get the qualifications.

It might be worth your while looking at formal qualifications in the paint feild, as has already been stated, good painters are becoming very thin on the ground.

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Fri 27 Jul 2007 11:13
mech qualifications - steveo3002
lhm im 35

yeah good bodyshop guys are hard to find...but no one wants to pay good money or good conditions

i see 10 mech/mot jobs for every painter job

the thing is , i could walk in and pretty much do the job now , but i have no papers to say i can change a headlight bulb
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Fri 27 Jul 2007 11:26
mech qualifications - LHM
Have you thought of setting up your own business? It can seem daunting, but in today's workplace there's no such thing as a secure 'permanent' job anymore.

You'll no doubt have built up many contacts in the local motor trade, and at your age you're able to command far more respect than a 'spotty young un'.

As you say, the problem with changing direction is that so many job applications are 'sieved' purely on 'formal' qualifications. That 'spotty young un' with a C&G and six months' experience will get the nod over a more mature guy with no quals. Plus, of course, they won't have to pay as much for the youngster.

Family commitments and location will have a bearing on going it alone, but you might look back in 20 years time and regret it.....

Good luck!
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Fri 27 Jul 2007 11:51
mech qualifications - yorkiebar
Have you done much mechanical work? Best advice is its not a good trade to get into; but then what else is ?

Mot testers seem to be thin on the ground in many areas and you could well find a good independant or even dealer that is prepared to take you on and help you get your licence.

Mot tster normally pays fairly well (for the motor trade) but it does become a bit of bind just testing cars all day and doing no actual work onthem. Most testers leave because of boredom etc.

Do consider setting out on your own; but try a few months "on the side" working to see if its for you or not before investing any money. Although its not easy or the best way to go its quite easy to set yourself up to do mobile servicing and repairs and only needs a few adverts or words from contacts to get you going. But remember the jobs you are likely t get are the non starters and awkward stuff. Keep records and receipts and decide if its for you or not before pursuing further?

My best advice? Dont do it! Learn another trade or even try to get into diagnostics; way better prospects!
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Fri 27 Jul 2007 13:41
mech qualifications - Civic8
>>ive been in the motor trade 16 yrs as a paint sprayer

IMO your better off where you are,my brother is a sprayer and earns far more than any mechanics we know,and is more skilled now than fitters are....
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